Cannons' List Evaluation

[McLean_4_Captain]

Next year Dunn will fully come into his prime, he is too defensively minded at the moment, once he learns to run the other way he will be very very good, as he has a distinct height advantage over almost anyone he plays on.

I disagree on Cannons evaluation that Dunn does not have pace, I think that he actually has a fair bit of pace in a straight line, imo he does not have agility, which at his size is fair enough.

Wasn't Dunn in the group of younger guys, along with Juice, that signed new 2 year deals about a month or so ago? So he will be retained for at least 2 years

I agree that he does have some pace and it's his agility that is the issue, you can't negate the likes of Goodes or Foley without some degree of pace. I can ever see him making it as a forward, he's not KP and Bate is a much better option as the 3rd tall, so he needs to be played somewhere else. I'm not sure if he did last year, but a full pre-season in the midfield group will be a big benefit to him, maybe sheading a bit of his bulk.

People got on his back this year for not doing to hurt them the other way, but i was pleased with his progress. He needs to learn the primary task of stopping before adding other strings to his bow. Ling was pretty ineffectual at first averaging less possession then Dunn while he learnt the trade. The fact that he was playing a totally new role, i was happy that he sucessfully did the primary task on some very good opposition. Next year he'll need to do the same thing as well as show he can be damaging the other way. Give him time

 

[Capt_Concussion]

Wasn't Dunn in the group of younger guys, along with Juice, that signed new 2 year deals about a month or so ago? So he will be retained for at least 2 years

I agree that he does have some pace and it's his agility that is the issue, you can't negate the likes of Goodes or Foley without some degree of pace. I can ever see him making it as a forward, he's not KP and Bate is a much better option as the 3rd tall, so he needs to be played somewhere else. I'm not sure if he did last year, but a full pre-season in the midfield group will be a big benefit to him, maybe sheading a bit of his bulk.

People got on his back this year for not doing to hurt them the other way, but i was pleased with his progress. He needs to learn the primary task of stopping before adding other strings to his bow. Ling was pretty ineffectual at first averaging less possession then Dunn while he learnt the trade. The fact that he was playing a totally new role, i was happy that he sucessfully did the primary task on some very good opposition. Next year he'll need to do the same thing as well as show he can be damaging the other way. Give him time

You've got a good head on your shoulders mate.

 

[cannons]

James Frawley

Current Ability: C-
Frawley managed 11 matches this year, which was a solid return for the young defender. He averaged around 10 possessions a game from the backline, and showed some dash coming out of defence.

Strengths:
- Generates run from defence
- Good size
- Reasonable closing speed
- Good defensive skills

Weaknesses:
- Can look a bit lost at AFL level
- Decision making
- Awkward kicking technique

Potential Ability: B+
I may be rating his potential quite highly, but I see some good signs from Frawley. He will take a while to fully develop, but he has a pretty solid foundation to build from. The preseason will be beneficial for him, as he can put on some more bulk to assist him with defending against the bigger types.

Whilst it is great to see him charge out of defence, he does suffer from decision making difficulties at times. This is partly due to the fact he is inexperienced at AFL level, and with time he will improve his composure. This is an area for him to focus on; he just needs to assess the situation better at certain points.

In terms of kicking, his kicks are normally quite effective, however his technique is awkward. This could create some problems when he’s under pressure, which is likely to occur given the way he attacks the game. I think it would be speculative to predict whether or not he can fix this, but if his decision making improves this issue will be minimised in any case.

Trade Value: Late 2nd rounder, but won’t be on the table.

Overall, he has a nice platform to build from for 2009. Whilst I wouldn’t expect him to play a pivotal role in Melbourne’s defence next year, he should continue to develop and improve upon this year’s output. I see a bit of Scarlett in the way he approaches the game, so it would be nice to think he could get near that level at some point in the future.

 

[whelan=legend]

Can't argue with that. I see alot of potential in Frawls. His game on Morton in round 22 was great considering the amount of ball coming in.

 

[Beats]

Frawley is dealt with harshley by many on this board, he has a lot of potential, he is a very good stopping player, and with options up the field to kick to he will look a lot better.

His game style at the moment is, get the ball, run out of defence, look for options, see no options pass it off to the closest team mate.

Once he has someone leading up at him he will look a lot better.

 

[Blue Dimension]

Great write ups. Even as an opposition supporter they're very interesting and insightful to read.

 

[cannons]

Great write ups. Even as an opposition supporter they're very interesting and insightful to read.

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it

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Colin Garland

Current Ability: B+
Garland was one of Melbourne’s big improvers this season, and created some excitement for Melbourne fans in a season which offered very little. Colin played 17 matches, averaging 12 disposals per match. He produced many notable performances in defence, and his efforts against Franklin and Bradshaw were excellent.

Strengths:
- Pace
- Athleticism
- Defensive skills
- Good temperament
- Reasonably good user of the ball
- Versatile

Weaknesses:
- Light frame
- Regularly baked


Potential Ability: A+
I really think he has the potential to develop into one of the AFL’s elite defenders. He has every attribute required, other than physical size; however he is still young and has plenty of time to bulk up over preseason. Having said that, his frame is ectomorphic, so he will never be huge, but his mobility and pace will more than make up for that.

I don’t think there is any real deficiency in his game. He reads the play well, has good closing speed and disposes of the ball well. With more experience and size, there is no reason why he couldn’t develop into a premier defender. He also seems to play with a lot of determination, which should assist his development.

He is versatile as well, as he can play on forwards of any size. I think he may also have the ability to play up forward or as a rebounding defender, but at this point I’m happy to see him playing as a defender in the truest sense. Once the Melbourne defence develops further, I think he could be given some more creative license as he is a good user of the ball.

Trade Value: Early 1st rounder, but is one of the few untouchables on Melbourne’s list

Overall, despite an indifferent start to the year, Garland improved greatly. He looks to be one of the most important elements of Melbourne’s renaissance. Colin possesses all of the necessary attributes to become an elite player, and the experience he gains from 2009 should take him closer to achieving that status.

 

[Dez!]

Keep him on whatever the hell it was he was smoking this year for next year, absolute ripper season.

 

[Woewooden Spoon08]

RE: Colin Garland

My new favourite player and easily the brightest part of a very bleak 08.

Agree with the original poster, has the ability to become an elite defender. Reminds me alot of Max Hudghton/ Matthew Scarlett. Just needs to get some mongrel and a bit more strength into his game and we will be looking at one of the competitions great backman for years to come, something Melbourne hasnt had for a very long time.

 

[whelan=legend]

I want more evaluations!

 

[Deenamite]

I think Garland will need to do a bit more to demand an early first round pick although he has been great this year. Don't really want to jinx him because he's one of our best prospects.

 

[Beats]

I think Garland will need to do a bit more to demand an early first round pick although he has been great this year. Don't really want to jinx him because he's one of our best prospects.

What more can he do? He's 20 has quite a bit of talent and has proven that he can hold down a KP spot, he's worth as much as Nathan Brown(col) or Paddy Ryder.

Does anyone else think a comparison between Fletcher and Garland is appropriate?

 

[Headless]

I think Garland will need to do a bit more to demand an early first round pick although he has been great this year. Don't really want to jinx him because he's one of our best prospects.

Disagree, Garland is easily worth a first rounder.

 

[cannons]

Brad Green

Current Ability: A-
Green was probably Melbourne’s most consistent performer in 2008. He played 20 matches for the season, only missing two through a hamstring injury. He averaged close to 23 possessions per match.

Strengths:
- Versatility
- Consistency
- Leadership
- Work ethic
- Courage

Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t have any standout qualities

Potential Ability: A-
Brad is at the stage in his career where improvement is unlikely to occur, and he will need to work harder to maintain his current level of ability. However, he is still one of our best players. With a young and developing list, his influence will be pivotal in 2009.

For all of the consistency and versatility Brad possesses, he has no true defining quality. He is quite complete as a player in that he does a lot of things very competently, however he has no elite features. Having said that, it is also positive that he has no area of true deficiency, and performs the basics of football very well.

He will be a real possibility for the captaincy next year, as he plays at a high level on a consistent basis. He also has a higher aptitude for leadership than most players on the list, and his courageous efforts amplify this feature.

Trade Value: Early 2nd rounder, however it appears as if he is set to sign a new deal.

Overall, Brad is one of Melbourne’s most consistent performers. His efforts in 2008 are likely to see him win Melbourne’s Best and Fairest. He has an important role to play in 2009, not only on the field but in a leadership capacity also.

 

[demons64]

What more can he do? He's 20 has quite a bit of talent and has proven that he can hold down a KP spot, he's worth as much as Nathan Brown(col) or Paddy Ryder.

Does anyone else think a comparison between Fletcher and Garland is appropriate?

I wrote the same thing after seeing him in Canberra. Reckon he'll be as valuable to us as Fletcher has been to the Bombers.

 

[Ausyid]

Great thread cannons and incredibly accurate so far IMO.

Keep up the good work

For the record everyone, I do think Brock's current ability warrants an A, and Sylvia's potential warrants A+.

 

[cannons]

Great thread cannons and incredibly accurate so far IMO.

Keep up the good work

For the record everyone, I do think Brock's current ability warrants an A, and Sylvia's potential warrants A+.

Thanks for the feedback

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Jack Grimes

It would be unfair to assess Jack under the parameters given the fact it’s his first season and the majority of it was spent on the sidelines with a back-related injury. As with Cheney, I will just make some observations about his game from what I’ve seen.

General Observations:
- Reads the play well
- A good decision maker
- Uses the ball reasonably well
- He marks the ball well, and is good overhead
- A tough player
- High level of fitness
- Injury could be a concern
- Smart player

Many reports also indicate Jack is highly disciplined and has strong leadership capabilities, although I can’t really say whether or not this is the case. Apparently he has also recorded 15.10 in the beep test, which is elite.

Selection 14 in the 2007 draft, Grimes spent the first half of the season injured. Following that, he made steady progress, dominating in the VFL reserves before moving into the Sandringham seniors. He played well at that level, and was rewarded with his first AFL match in round 22 against Richmond.

He was also the captain of the Northern Knights U18 side, a team which included the likes of Matthew Kreuzer and Trent Cotchin.

Overall, despite the injury setbacks, Jack made a solid start to his AFL career. This should give him a good foundation for 2009, and the preseason will be valuable not only in his development, but also in managing his body. He is one player who will be looking to emerge in 2009, and there is no reason to suggest this won’t be the case.

 

[The Dr]

Thanks for the feedback

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Jack Grimes

It would be unfair to assess Jack under the parameters given the fact it’s his first season and the majority of it was spent on the sidelines with a back-related injury. As with Cheney, I will just make some observations about his game from what I’ve seen.

General Observations:
- Reads the play well
- A good decision maker
- Uses the ball reasonably well
- He marks the ball well, and is good overhead
- A tough player
- High level of fitness
- Injury could be a concern
- Smart player

Many reports also indicate Jack is highly disciplined and has strong leadership capabilities, although I can’t really say whether or not this is the case. Apparently he has also recorded 15.10 in the beep test, which is elite.

Selection 14 in the 2007 draft, Grimes spent the first half of the season injured. Following that, he made steady progress, dominating in the VFL reserves before moving into the Sandringham seniors. He played well at that level, and was rewarded with his first AFL match in round 22 against Richmond.

He was also the captain of the Northern Knights U18 side, a team which included the likes of Matthew Kreuzer and Trent Cotchin.

Overall, despite the injury setbacks, Jack made a solid start to his AFL career. This should give him a good foundation for 2009, and the preseason will be valuable not only in his development, but also in managing his body. He is one player who will be looking to emerge in 2009, and there is no reason to suggest this won’t be the case.

I for one am really looking forward to seeing this bloke play next season. Huge wraps on him from various sources including in Emma Quayle's book The Draft. I'm pretty sure we weren't expecting him to slip to 14 so bring on 2009!

 

[cannons]

I for one am really looking forward to seeing this bloke play next season. Huge wraps on him from various sources including in Emma Quayle's book The Draft. I'm pretty sure we weren't expecting him to slip to 14 so bring on 2009!

What does Emma's book have to say on Grimey?

There have been some reports he would have gone higher if not for injury concerns. In addition, a player agent stated that if Morton was gone at 4, Melbourne would've chosen Jack. However, one can't be sure as to whether or not those claims are accurate.

 

[McLean_4_Captain]

There have been some reports he would have gone higher if not for injury concerns. In addition, a player agent stated that if Morton was gone at 4, Melbourne would've chosen Jack. However, one can't be sure as to whether or not those claims are accurate.

Yeah most people let him slip a bit last year because of his injury, but even with it he was a steal at 14.

I'm not sure about us taking him at pick 4 though, i've heard we had Palmer in our sights had we not got Morton. Kruezer & Cotchin were always picks 1 & 2, and then after that our wish list was Morton, Palmer

 

[cannons]

Yeah most people let him slip a bit last year because of his injury, but even with it he was a steal at 14.

I'm not sure about us taking him at pick 4 though, i've heard we had Palmer in our sights had we not got Morton. Kruezer & Cotchin were always picks 1 & 2, and then after that our wish list was Morton, Palmer

Agreed, he was a steal at 14, and whilst its early, I'd say it worth giving up TJ to attain his services.

On the suggestion that we would have taken him at 4 if Morton was gone, I heard it on the radio. Paul Connors, who is Cale Morton's agent, was the one who said it.

 

[Headless]

Yeah, I heard that we wanted Morton and Grimes, and got them both.

 

[saj_21]

Give Grimey a full pre season and he will be a star next year!

 

[The Dr]

What does Emma's book have to say on Grimey?

There have been some reports he would have gone higher if not for injury concerns. In addition, a player agent stated that if Morton was gone at 4, Melbourne would've chosen Jack. However, one can't be sure as to whether or not those claims are accurate.

You basically hit the nail on the head there, although not 100% sure if we'd have chosen him at 4. He was all australian under-18 in 2007 and was widely assumed to be in the top 10 despite his injury, which hopefully doesn't hamper him next year.

The Dees were really keen on him but assumed he would go before our second pick and we basically creamed our dacks when he was available.

Apart from being a fantastic footballer, by all accounts he is a brilliant young man and captaincy material even at such a young age.

 

[saj_21]

Cannons wouldnt mind seing a similar report on Dean Bailey as you are doing on the players!